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18 January 2017

Skopje-
Скопје is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Macedonia. It is located
on the bank of the river Vardar. City is
encircled by mountains and it's prone to violent earthquakes. The first
recorded earthquake in 518 destroyed entire city. An earthquake in 1963 killed
over 1000 people, and destroyed much of the city.

Skopje
has an excellent geographical position and was (is) the scene of many
historical events. It has a very turbulent history and to date has seen many
changes and different rulers.Many
times the city was rebuilt and raised from the ashes. In 1689 General
Piccolomini burned the whole city. All the invaders have left their mark and
impose their culture. Skopje today is a mix of different nations, cultures and customs.
Unfortunately even current government is trying to change the national history
and create new identity, through the project "Skopje 2014".Despite
all that, the heart and soul of this city are warm and hospitable people, and
that is most important.Kale Fortress-Скопско Калe is situated on the highest point in the city.

Porta Macedonia- Порта Македонија.The arch is dedicated to
20 years of Macedonian independence.

City's
buildings makeover in the neoclassical or baroque style.

GTC- Градски Трговски Центар-shopping center in the city. It was
made in the 1970.

Citizens of Skopje tried to preserve the iconic
1970s GTC - from a planned Baroque makeover but unfortunately
referendum has failed.Who knows how ugly baroque mutant will be here
next time we visit Skopje.And at night, beside baroque and neoclassical
impact there is a touch of Las Vegas. :)

It is
obvious that the citizens don't like faux-Baroque makeover.

On the
top of the VodnoMountain is 66m-high Millennium Cross-Милениумски крст-little bit controversial decision
in multi-ethnic Macedonia.